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[EN VIDÉO] Sea levels could rise almost a meter by 2100 Altimetry satellites are a good way to accurately measure sea level rise due to climate change. In orbit, they witness the most subtle changes and can pick them up with millimeter precision. The Cnes (National Center for Space Studies) tells us more during this video.
Data collected along the coastline in New Zealand have shown that some areas are already sinking by three to four millimeters a year, accelerating the dreaded danger. The projections, referred to as“a bit terrifying” by an expert, are the result of an extensive five-year research program — called NZ SeaRise — carried out by dozens of scientists, local and international, and funded by the government.
According to their forecasts, the authorities have less time than expected to plan how to adapt to the consequences of climate changein particular a relocation of the inhabitants living along the coasts.
According to Tim Naish, the professor at Wellington University in Victoria who co-directed NZ SeaRiseif the global sea level were to rise by about half a meter by 2100, this height would have to reach almost a meter in large parts of thearchipelagobecause the earth is sinking at the same time.
New Zealand’s two largest cities under threat
This would be particularly catastrophic for Wellington, the capital, which could experience a sea level rise 30 centimeters by 2040, which was not expected before 2060. The inhabitants of Wellington could thus be victims of a flood causing damage every year. “We have less time to actMr. Naish said. It’s a bit terrifying, but there’s still time and I think that’s the way to look at it.”.
The data shows that the southeastern coastline of the more populated North Island is the most exposed. Auckland, which, with 1.7 million inhabitants, is the largest city in the country, is particularly vulnerable. Sea levels are predicted to rise 50% faster on the downtown waterfront and in several suburbs, which will have a huge impact on house prices and insurance premiums.
NZ SeaRise has developed a online tool allowing residents and authorities to check the forecasts for the area that concerns them, so that they can assess the risk of flooding and erosion. “We still have time, but we no longer have time to sit idly by”said Mr. Naish, calling on elected officials and property developers to think about how best to adapt to this sea level rise.
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